The leaders at the meeting agreed that to deal with plastic pollution, humanity must change the way it consumes, the way it produces, and the way it disposes of waste

The third session of the Intergovernmental Negotiating Committee, aimed at developing an international legally binding instrument on plastic pollution, including in the marine environment, has begun in Nairobi, the Kenyan capital. During the INC-3 meeting, negotiations will be based on the Zero Draft text prepared by the INC Chair.

INC-3 is a point in developing a global treaty, marking the midway point of the journey. The two previous rounds of negotiations took place in Punta del Este, Uruguay, in November 2022 and in Paris in June, labelled INC-1 and INC-2, respectively. Two more INC sessions are planned for 2024.

The leaders at the meeting agreed that to deal with plastic pollution, humanity must change the way it consumes, the way it produces, and the way it disposes of waste.

The resolution passed at UNEA 5.2 called for an instrument based on a comprehensive approach that addresses the entire life cycle of plastic.

This means re evaluating everything along the chain, from polymer to pollution, from product to packaging. Use of fewer virgin materials, less plastic, and no harmful chemicals. Ensuring that use, reuse, and recycle resources happen more efficiently.

A preparatory meeting on 11 November preceded the beginning of INC-3, which was also held in Nairobi. During the session, delegates engaged in initial, informal exchanges of views and regional consultations on 12 November.